Lisa Ramirez 2026 Distinguished Alumni

Dr. Lisa R. Ramírez career reflects a deep commitment to educational equity, public service, and transformative leadership at both local and national levels. Currently, Dr. Ramírez serves as Director of the Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement at the United States Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C., where she advances collaborative efforts that strengthen communities and expand opportunity. Her work is widely recognized for its focus on innovation, cultural responsiveness, and results-driven leadership.

Dr. Ramírez brings extensive federal, state, and local experience to her role. Prior to returning to Washington, she served as Chief Innovation Officer for Lubbock Independent School District. She previously held the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Programs in the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, overseeing a broad portfolio of management, policy, and program initiatives. Over her tenure at the Department of Education she also served as Director of the Office of Migrant Education and Director of the Office of School Support and Rural Programs, leading nationally significant programs such as HEP, CAMP, and other initiatives supporting rural and migrant students. Known for her ability to inspire leadership even amid limited resources, Dr. Ramírez consistently elevates organizational effectiveness and staff development.

Beyond government service, Dr. Ramírez is an accomplished author, speaker, consultant, and executive coach. Her book, Dulcified: Sweetened by the Education of Life, received the International Latino Book Award, and she will be featured in the upcoming short film Told They Can’t, highlighting the journeys of professionals of color who defied societal expectations.

The daughter of migrant workers and a former migrant worker herself, Dr. Ramírez also served in the U.S. Army Reserves and began her career as an educator in Texas classrooms before becoming a principal and founding Lubbock ISD’s first charter campus, the Ramírez Charter School. She earned her B.A., M.Ed., and Ed.D. from Texas Tech University. and remains a lifelong learner and passionate advocate for empowering others through education and service.

Dr. Ramírez remains a lifelong learner and passionate advocate for empowering others through education and service, which reflect the values of service, perseverance, and innovation fostered within the Texas Tech University College of Arts & Sciences. 

Education

BA English, 1992  
M.Ed. Educational Leadership, 1999 
Ph.D. Educational Leadership, 2009